IT Management Slideshow: 10 Companies That Should Matter Most to You

By Don Reisinger |
Posted 11-18-2011

HP

Despite its public woes, HP isn't going anywhere. The company has long been a go-to enterprise provider, and now that it has decided to keep its PC business in-house, that will continue to be the case. Add that to its increased focus on software and solutions, and HP is probably already one of your top vendors.

Oracle

Oracle is another company that knows how to appeal to corporate customers. And now that it has Mark Hurd on board, there should be no doubt its database and server products will continue to play a crucial role in the enterprise.

IBM

IBM announced recently that it will appoint Virginia Rometty as its next CEO. But if you're worried about the change in management, don't be. Rometty has always been committed to IBM, and cloud solutions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in her decision-making for the foreseeable future.

Apple

Apple hasn't always been the most popular enterprise provider, but now that the iPad has become a corporate favorite, and the company's iPhone continues to be the smartphone of choice among employees, you have no option but to accept that Apple will be a part of your decision-making going forward.

RIM

Research In Motion is a fine enterprise smartphone provider. Yet, its importance over the last several quarters has waned as the company's devices bored customers and made employees hope for an iPhone. RIM will still be a player, but don't expect it to be so important.

Google

Google has slowly but surely made its presence known in the enterprise. From the company's Android platform to a host of cloud solutions, Google is ready and willing to become a key player in the enterprise. The only question is: Will you let it?

Cisco

Cisco has been a key partner with enterprise companies for years. However, lately it has been a bit distracted, focusing its efforts on consumer exploits in addition to corporate solutions. Earlier this year, Cisco said that it was refocusing its business around its core operations. That means you should expect to hear even more from Cisco in the future.

Lenovo

If there is any company that fully understands the computing needs of businesses, it's Lenovo. For years now, Lenovo has been delivering some of the best enterprise-focused PCs on the market, and its recent market share gains prove it. Expect to add more Lenovo laptops to your operation in the coming years.

Dell

Dell is mixed bag. On one hand, the company is decidedly business-friendly, offering everything from computers to software solutions to its corporate customers. On the other hand, Dell has allowed its desires to become more Apple-like cloud its judgment as it tries to compete in the smartphone and tablet markets. Keep an eye on Dell -- it might or might not deliver what you're looking for in the future.

Facebook

Believe it or not, the world's largest social network will have an increasing impact on your business in the coming months and years. For one, your employees will continue to access Facebook from corporate computers and networks, potentially drawing fire from cybercriminals. In addition, the service can be used as a worthwhile marketing tool. Like it or not, Facebook will impact your decisions greatly in the coming years.